The Power of Perseverance

James 1:1-4

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, 
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.

The Power of Perseverance

Message #3 - The Power of Perseverance
James 1:1-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
 

The Power of Perseverance
James challenges us to, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.  James 1:4
 
When we encounter various trials most of us want to get over them as quickly as possible. But when this is our primary objective we miss out on the greater goal of what these difficulties can produce.  The time and energy expended to honestly walk through these struggles will produce more in our lives.
 
Image what Anne Mansfield Sullivan felt when a blind and deaf, 7-year-old she was trying to help rejected her every effort. But Anne persisted—in spite of temper tantrums, physical abuse, mealtime madness, and even thankless parents. In her heart she knew it was worth all the pain. Was it ever! Within two years her pupil, Helen Keller, was able to read and write in braille. When Helen ultimately graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College (where Miss Sullivan had "spelled" each lecture into her hand), Helen Keller devoted the rest of her life to aiding the deaf and the blind.  Anne’s willingness to endure these trials helped to change another person’s life in amazing ways.
 
James has his eyes on what Jesus promised.  He reminds us in verse 12 that, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
 
This is why we can face trials with joy when we realize what the outcome will be!

NewDay September Outdoor Worship Services 
11 am in back of the YMCA
September 20 - The Power of Perseverance
September 27 - Moving from Comfort to Conviction

(Note: If actively raining, the outdoor worship service will be cancelled)
We will be back in the YMCA in October!